Medieval Re-Enactor Dies After Fatally Impaling Self With Lance

posted by RJ Johnson - @rickerthewriter -

Oct 10, 2018

A Medieval knight re-enactor who performed under the name Master Terafan Greydragon, was competing at an equestrian game in Williamstown, Kentucky when he fatally impaled himself with his lance during a performance.

Peter Barclay, 53, of Virginia, was wounded on Saturday while attempting performing a trick for audiences at a renaissance fair on Saturday. Barclay's brother John wrote on Facebook that Peter was attempting to spear a paper plate on the ground when his metal-tipped lance hit the ground and flipped back toward him, stabbing Barclay in the chest.

“His metal tipped lance, used for catching rings (not jousting), hit the ground and flipped. Freak accident. It impaled him under his sternum killing him,” John Barclay wrote over the weekend.

John writes that Barclay died while he was being flown to a nearby hospital and that he died, "doing what he loved."

"He led a distinguished career as a retired Lt. Colonel in the US Army. He leaves behind his wife Deborah A. Barclay, and daughters Amy and Taryth. Survived by his father Jack Barclay, older brother John Barclay and younger brother Charles Barclay. He died doing what he loved, but will still be missed."

An official autopsy has not been conducted according to the Hamilton County coroner, but his death is currently listed as accidental.

The Society Marshal is conducting an investigation to determine what might have led up to the accident, and what specific measures should be taken to ensure that this does not occur again. Upon the completion of our investigation, the SCA will make the results available to the public.